Westminster Bridge attack survivor runs marathon for the NHS staff who saved his life
By Frank Pachas
A bystander who nearly lost a leg in the Westminster Bridge attack is set to run a marathon in honour of the NHS staff that saved his life.
Stephen Lockwood was visiting London with his wife, Cara, to celebrate his 40th birthday when he was struck by the attacker’s car.
After receiving severe injuries to his face, chest and leg, he was rushed to the Major Trauma Unit at St Mary’s Hospital, undergoing a four-hour operation and regular physiotherapy sessions to help him walk again.
Now he wants to thank the NHS staff who cared for him and is aiming to raise £3,500 for Imperial Health Charity by taking on the Brighton Marathon in September.
Stephen said: “When I was laying in the hospital bed, I made a promise to myself that if they save my leg I will learn to walk again, I will learn to run again and I will run a marathon to fundraise for the team that saved me.
“I also want to raise awareness of this incredible institution and show support in the extraordinary work they do. I can never thank them enough for what they did for me and my wife.”
By taking part in the marathon challenge, Stephen, whose wife escaped the attack with bruises and a twisted ankle, hopes to leave this painful period of his life behind.
He said: “Being in that bed in the trauma ward was like my starting line and once I’ve crossed the finish line of the marathon it will bring me some form of closure on this chapter of my life.”
The runner from Oxfordshire admitted his training for the marathon is long, hard and painful at times and that building strength and stamina is a slow process.
Cara said: “Over the last four years he has shown so much strength and willpower. Every operation that knocked him back only made him more determined.
“It has been an immensely tough journey and I could not be prouder of him. I am grateful that he is still here with me. I was really worried he would give up on his life.”
Stephen and Cara’s ordeal was documented in the acclaimed first episode of the second series of BBC’s Hospital.
The Brighton Marathon takes place on September 12 and every penny Stephen raises will go to the Major Trauma Unit.
You can donate to Stephen’s fundraising efforts at www.justgiving.com/stephen-lockwood1